May Day... Mayday!

Friday, 01 May 2009

Today is May Day, and I thought it fitting to write today, considering the expression “mayday, mayday” is also a cry for help! May, of course, brings Spring, and the promise of renewal and growth. That’s a nice metaphor. All is well in my world, but there’s this nagging feeling that I somehow need to find a way to not be so busy and distracted with the mundane, seemingly necessary tasks of parenting and household upkeep, not to mention the plethora of social engagements flooding my calendar. While all these things seem to indicate a full life, I feel I’m somewhat sacrificing the nuances of the moment for the endless pursuit of completing the task at hand.

So, what does this introspection really have to do with my health and wellness? Well, a lot. It’s that search for balance; that appreciation of the moment without comparison to the past or projection into the future. I know so many other moms feel like they never get a moment to themselves, and that there will never be an end to the checklist, but it’s one thing I feel contributes to a lot of stress for me. It’s probably partially self-induced stress, but stress, nonetheless. Most days I feel as if I just run out of time. Weighty fatigue is the only signal to the end of the day, rather than a gentle lull into the renewing sleep I so desperately need, but often defer, just for the opportunity to gather my thoughts in the solitude of the wee hours of the morning.

Therefore, once again, more than a focus on weight or a specific exercise goal, my intention is to continue to seek balance in the daily grind, and work on stress management simply by changing my perception of the things I “have” to get done. I don’t want to complain about the things I strived my whole life to attain, like a nice home, a loving partner and healthy kids. So, rather than view the infinite stream of things to be accomplished as a hurdle to overcome, I want to find a way to enjoy the “doing,” more than the just being “done.”

This is my philosophic rambling for this beautiful first evening in May. It’s late, and my battery is running low, but I just took a quick walk with Flo and the dog around the neighborhood, and the fresh, mild and breezing Spring air pulled me into the moment. It reminds me of the importance of self-care as part of the foundation of a solid family.

Good night.